Kismet Noun: Fate, Luck, Destiny Example: “My kismet was strong and I succeeded.” Kismet is often associated with Yiddish but it’s origin is Arabic via Turkic. Photo is of another In...Read More
Leitmotif Noun: A leitmotif is a “short, recurring musical phrase” associated with a particular person, place, or idea. Leitmotif is also used in movies to create a sense continuity. Examp...Read More
Homonym Noun: Words that have the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings. Example one: “A pair of pears.” Example two: “The hot (stolen) jewelry looked hot (very nice)...Read More
Senescence Noun: The natural changes in a cells ability to reproduce. Aging is one form of senescence. Example: “Wrinkles are a form of age related senescence in all humans.” The photo is ...Read More
Omniscient Adjective: Knowing everything. Example: “To the third graders the tour guide appeared omniscient.” Photo is of a very small Inukshuk I built while at a beautiful vineyard in Seb...Read More
Vituperation Noun: Bitter and abusive language. Example: “Vituperation generally does not improve communication.” Photo is of the Russian River north of Healdsburg, CA...Read More
Querulous Adjective: Disagreeable complaining, perhaps petulant or whining. Example: “It really is hard to complain without sounding querulous.” Photo shows the Native American section in ...Read More
Rancor Noun: Bitterness or resentfulness usually longstanding. Example: “Considering the recent disputes he spoke without rancor. Sign in a neighborhood in Sonoma, CA...Read More
Carapace Noun: The hard outer shell of a turtle or other animal. Also used more generally to describe a tough exterior. Examples: “The Green Turtles carapace had been damaged by what appeared to...Read More
Heterodox Adjective: Not conforming with accepted standards. Not othodox. Example: She took a heterodox view of the role of government in education. Photo is of Parker Dam with the shadow of the bridg...Read More